Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Stickhead on March 12, 2012, 03:39:48 pm
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I've got an unusually straight-grained Osage "stave," about 2 1/2" x 3" x 70", cut from a thick board. The grain is oriented such that a single growth-ring selfbow is not a great option, but I think I can carve a nice end-grain-back bow from it without violations. I'm thinking on a pyramid style, 65# @26", 60" or so in length.
I've never made an end-grain bow. TB1 says this should make for a strong back, but is it risky not to back it? I'd prefer to make it a selfbow if I can.
Also, should I line up the bow such that the rings across the back are in line with the centerline, or should I follow a single grain line along one edge of the top limb, and anlong the opposite edge of the bottom limb?
While I'm at it, what would be a good starting width for the limbs on this? I've got plenty to work with.
Thanks for any advice!
-Tom
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I don't know what you mean by "end grain"? The board cuts are =plain sawn // rift sawn and || quarter sawn as viewed from the butt. Any of these will made a board bow provided the edge grain is straight==== tip to tip. Take a peak at my web site for board bow info.. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/
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Thanks, George,
I think I got the "end-grain" term from TBB1, meaning that the growth rings run just about perpendicular to the back of the bow. This was originally a thick plain sawn Osage board that a local rancher had milled, about 2 1/2" x 3" x 9" x 70". I ripped it into three 2 1/2" x 3" x 70" stave-like pieces. The middle stave made for a nice single growth ring back selfbow. The outside staves don't have rings tangent to a flat surface, but have nice straight grain lines down the length. (Boy, this is hard without a picture.)
I'm thinking that I'm in good shape, since the lines run very straight down the length. I'm just not sure how strong this type of back would be compared to a single growth ring back.
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If I am understanding you correctly!
It will make a nice bow and be able to do all you want !
Use your regular diminsions.
Guy